Ribchester Roman Fort

The modern day village of Ribchester is situated on the site of what was once a large Roman fort and settlement known as Bremetennacum Veteranorum. Today, the remains of Ribchester Roman Fort and the Ribchester Roman Bathhouse can be seen alongside the Ribchester Roman Museum, which showcases the best of the history of the site.

Ribchester Roman Fort history

It is believed a first incarnation of Ribchester Roman Fort was built in 72 AD as a timber fortification. This fort would have housed a military garrison and been used to secure the local area, as well as provide a strategic link to other Roman military fortifications in the vicinity.

The fortress was strategically built at a crossing over the River Ribble, where the Roman roads from Chester, York, and Carlisle converged. The fort was later rebuilt in stone, probably in the mid-to-late 2nd century.

Excavations of Roman Ribchester have revealed ruins of the Ribchester Roman Fort itself, as well as uncovering the remains of granaries, timber buildings, a kiln, roman bath house and pottery dating from 69 AD to the 4th century.

Ribchester Roman Fort today

Today, visitors can see the remains of the fort itself, as well as the bath house that occupied the site and is still well-preserved.

Ribchester Roman Museum is also nearby, and contains many fascinating artefacts from Neolithic to Roman times and beyond. An interactive 3D model of 3rd century Ribchester is also on display, helping to provide visitors the full image of the ancient town.

Getting to Ribchester Roman Fort

Ribchester Roman Fort is located in the village of Ribchester in Lancashire, just off the B6245. Parking is available at Ribchester Car Park, while a number of bus services run to the Post Office stop in the village. The Roman bath house can be reached via Greenside, while the museum is just off Church St, a 5-minute walk away.